Abstract:
Objective:
To analyze healthy life style recommendations given in health care and the adoption of healthy behaviors among hypertension and diabetes patients.
Methods:
We analyzed the recommendations according to the place of the last health care visit (primary health care, other public facilities, and private health care facilities). The effects of having a diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes on the adoption of healthy practices were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models, using sex, age, and educational level as control variables, and the following outcomes: current use of tobacco products; regular physical activity during leisure time; recommended intake of fruits and vegetables; perception of low salt intake; frequent consumption of sweets; and excessive alcohol consumption.
Results:
Approximately 88% of hypertension patients received recommendations to have a healthy diet, 91% to eat less salt, 83% to practice regular physical activity, and 76% to not to smoke. Among diabetic patients, all recommendations related to nutrition were very frequent, reaching 95% for the habit of having fruits and vegetables regularly. The effect of having a diagnosis of hypertension was significant for non-use of tobacco products and perception of low salt intake. The diagnosis of diabetes mainly influenced the habit of not consuming sweets often.
Conclusion:
Results evidenced that people with diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes give priority to not use (stop) harmful health behaviors than to adopt practices that will bring benefits to their health. It is necessary to promote not only the adverse effects of harmful habits, but also the benefits of healthy behaviors to aging well.
Keywords:
Hypertension; Diabetes Mellitus; Primary health care; Healthy behaviors; Health promotion; Brazil.
